Combination scale and advertising announcer



May 7, 1957 s. z. DAROFF 2,791,417

COMBINATION SCALE AND ADVERTISING ANNOUNCER Filed Jan. 16, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 X LISTEN 3 AND WATCH f, row YOUR INVENTOR. f/fi/Vfy Z. DAPOFF y 7, 1957 s. z. DAROFF 2,791,417

COMBIQATION SCALE AND ADVERTISING ANNOUNCER Filed Jan. 16, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 29 1 43 I 115 v. 27 4 i I l i M .37 I 2 47 I 1 l l I i 8 l 33 Ll H INVENTOR. 5/0/1/5 Y Z. fi/LPOFF United States Patent COMBINATION SCALE AND ADVERTISING ANNOUNCER Sidney Z. Daroif, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application January 16, 1956, Serial No. 559,265

9 Claims. (Cl. 265-47) The present invention relates to a combination scale and advertising announcer, and is concerned primarily with a device in which the advertising announcer is rendered effective by a person stepping on the scales.

At the present time, there is a type of scale used for weighing the human person and which is meeting with widespread usage. Such a scale consists essentially of a base from which upstands a pedestal, together with a platform on the base on which the person being weighed stands, and weighted lever mechanism mounted on top of the pedestal and connected to the movable platform by a steelyard. The levers which are operated by the steelyard in turn operate a dial or pointer which cooperates with a circular dial that is exposed and visible to a person standing on the platform.

As a general rule, scales of the above type are generally coin controlled, although it is, of course, possible to eliminate the coin-control feature and give users of the scale their weight free of charge. However, this is done in only rarely isolated instances. The present invention is founded on the belief that many people are reluctant to pay for information concerning their Weight, but would be willing to inconvenience themselves momentarily in order to obtain this information.

With the foregoing thought in mind, the present invention has in view as its foremost objective the provision of a scale of the character above indicated, together with a message repeater that is automatically started into operation by a person standing on the platform, and which message repeater will announce a particular advertising message.

In carrying out this idea in a practical embodiment, a message repeater of a type that is now well known, and available to the public as such, is employed. This message repeater includes a tape recording device capable of having a plurality of individual advertising announcements recorded thereon. A switch which controls the operation of this message repeater is located at an appropriate point within the upright pedestal so as to be actuated by the steelyard when a person gets onto the platform and thus starts the message repeater into operation.

Obviously, it takes an appreciable period of time to announce an advertising message. From the practical viewpoint, this period may vary from five to ten seconds. It has been found from actual experience that when a scale is equipped with an automatically operable advertising announcer of the type above indicated, many people are prone to get onto the platform and, immediately they see the indication of their weight, they get off the platform and leave its vicinity without hearing the complete advertising message. Moreover, being interested primarily in their weight and not in the message, they pay but little attention to the announcement. Thus, with this bare arrangement, much of the advertising effect is lost.

With this condition in mind, a further highly important object of the invention is to provide a combination scale and advertising announcer of the character above indicated with means which masks or renders the indicating dial invisible until the advertising message has been substantially completely announced. When the advertising announcement has been substantially completed, the masking or obscuring means is rendered ineffective, and a person may then see the dial and ascertain his weight. It is evident that with this arrangement the person using the scale will remain on the platform during the entire period of the advertising announcement.

In carrying out this idea in a practical embodiment, the usual ringlike dial in the scale is replaced by a translucent dial. This dial is mounted in a cylindrical casing at the top of the upright pedestal. Also mounted in this casing behind the dial is an appropriate light source; while in front of the dial the usual transparent glass disc is re placed by a glass plate that is normally opaque, and without any light in back thereof, gives the appearance and effect of a mirror. However, when the light source is energized, this glass plate becomes transparent, and the person on the platform is enabled to see the calibrations on the dial and the relation of the pointer or indicator with respect thereto. Glass of this type is now well known, and available to the public as such.

A somewhat more detailed object of the invention is to provide, in a combination scale and advertising announcer of the character indicated, a time-delay switch which is electrically connected to the motor of the message repeater and the light aforesaid. Thus, when the motor is energized to start the message repeater into operation, this time-delay switch is affected so that it will energize the light source after the elapse of a prescribed interval.

It is important that users of an advertising scale of this type be advised of the number of persons who use it. Thus, another object is to provide, in a combination scale and advertising announcer of the type aforesaid, a counter which is automatically operated every time the message repeater is started into operation.

In accordance with the present invention, it is intended that the device provided hereby be used in places of business such as supermarkets, drugstores, department stores, five-and-ten-cent stores, and similar places of business. As a general rule, such places of business are open only for prescribed periods of time. During the times when these places of business are closed, it is desirable that the combination scale and advertising announcer be rendered inoperable. Thus, another object is to provide a combination scale and advertising announcer of the character indicated with a clock-operated control switch which is included in the power lines to the apparatus. This switch is set to render the circuit effective for a given time each day andineifective at other times.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention such as arise in connection with carrying out the above-noted ideas in a practical embodiment will in part become apparent and in part be hereinafter stated as the description of the invention proceeds.

The invention therefore comprises a combination scale and advertising announcer which consists essentially of a conventional scale now used in the weighing of human persons, and which scale includes a base on which is supported a platform, an upright pedestal, a cylindrical casing at the top of the pedestal which houses the lever mechanism, a circular dial, an indicator, with a steelyard extending up through the pedestal and operatively connecting the platform to the lever mechanism. A message repeater, together with loud-speakers, is mounted Within the pedestal, and a switch which controls the message repeater is operatively connected to the steelyard. The conventional dial in the cylindrical casing is replaced by a translucent dial, and a light is provided therebehind, and the usual transparent glass disc in front of the dial is replaced by a glass plate that is opaque when. the light is out, but transparent when the light is on. The light is controlled by a time-delay switch, which is in turn operatively connected to the message repeater.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combination scale and advertising announcer designed in accordance with the precepts of this invention, and with the front panel of the pedestal removed.

Figure 2 is a perspective view developing the plate glass, dial, and light in exploded relation; and

Figure 3 is a wiring diagram disclosing symbolically the various electric elements of the apparatus and the man ner in which they are connected in circuit.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts, and first more particularly to Figure l, a scale of the type with which this invention is concerned is therein illustrated, and referred to in its entirety by the the reference character S. Scales of this type are now well known and widely used by the public. One such scale is that sold under the trademark Toledo. So far as the present invention is concerned, it is deemed unnecessary to here enter into a detailed description of the entire mechanism of the scale, because such is well known. However, briefly referring to certain salient features which are pertinent to the present invention, it is noted that the scale S includes a base from which upstands an upright pedestal 11. The latter is made up of a bottom wall 12, a top wall 13, side walls 14 and 15, a rear wall 16, and a front wall or panel (not illustrated). Substantially midway between the bottom Wall 12 and top wall 13 there is a transverse shelf or partition 17.

Mounted on the base 10 is a movable platform 18 which moves under the influence of a person standing thereon. Operatively connected to this platform 18 is a steelyard 19 which extends upwardly through the pedestal 11 and. to the lever mechanism (not illustrated) within a cylindrical casing 20. The latter is mounted on the top wall 13 of the pedestal.

The leverage which is operated by the steelyard 19 is in turn operatively connected to a pointer or indicator, L

shown at 21 in Figure 2. This indicator 21 cooperates with a circular dial 22 having the usual calibrations thereon, and which dial, in accordance with the present invention, is translucent. appropriate plastic, many of which are now well known and available to the public as such.

The rear end of the cylindrical casing is closed by a circular plate 23. Mounted on the inner face of this plate 23 is a fluorescent light 24 which preferably takes the ringlike shape illustrated. When the plate 23 is assembled with the casing 20, this fluorescent light 24 is disposed behind the dial 22.

Mounted in front of the dial 22 is a circular glass plate 25 which is intended to completely cover the dial 22. The exact nature of this plate 25 is an important feature of the present invention. This glass plate 25 is normally opaque, and with the light 24 ineffective, gives the appearance of a mirror. Persons standing on the platform 18 can see their image reflected in the glass plate 25. However, when the fluorescent light 24 is energized, the glass plate 25 becomes transparent, and a person standing on the platform may look therethrough and ascertain his weight as indicated on the dial 22 by the indicator 21. Glass of this type is now well known and available to the public as such. Its particular composition is not a part of this invention, and is therefore not here described.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 1, two loud speakers 26 and 27 are shown as mounted within the pedestalll immediately beneath the top wall 13. Ballast It is preferably made of an for the fluorescent light 24 is shown at 28 as being sup ported on the shelf 17. This shelf 17 also supports a time switch 29 and a counter 30. Supported from the underside of the shelf 17 is a message repeater 31. Message repeaters of this type are now well known and available to the public as such. The present invention is not concerned with the particular construction of this message repeater. It sufiices to point out that such a message repeater includes a removable cartridge, shown at 32, which is made up of the tape on which the messages are recorded. It also includes a motor that is represented diagrammatically at 33 in Figure 3, and a relay that is represented diagrammatically at 34 in Figure 3.

A time-delay switch is shown at 35 as being mounted on a support 36, which in turn rests on the bottom wall 12 of the pedestal. This time-delay switch includes a motor that is represented diagrammatically at 37 in Figure 3. This motor 37 is under the control of a relay 38 which is also mounted on the support 36, and which is connected across the motor 33 of the message repeater by the lines 39 and 40 (see Figure 3).

A switch is shown at 41, and this switch is actuated by lug 42 that is carried by the steelyard 19. It will. be understood that the switch 41 and its operating lug 42 could be located at any appropriate point along the steelyard 19, and other arrangements provided for the various instrumentalities above described which are included in the pedestal 11. Referring now more particularly to Figure 3, a complete wiring diagram is therein illustrated, and will be described in detail. Power lines are shown at 43 and 44, and are connected to an appropriate power supply, which ordinarily will be alternating current. The timing switch 29 is connected in across these lines 43 and 44 as illustrated, and includes a clock motor 45 and a switch proper 46. The purpose of the timing switch 29 is to render the apparatus effective and usable for any predetermined periods during the day. Thus, by way of example, the switch 46 will be closed at nine oclock in the morning and opened at five in the evening.

The message repeater 31 is connected to the power lines 43 and 44 by the lines 47 and 48. It is notable that these lines 47 and 48 are connected across the motor 33 and the circuit thereof is controlled by the relay 34. This relay 34 is connected by lines 49 and 50 to the switch 41. This switch '41 is preferably a normally closed switch that is opened by a person getting onto the platform 18. Thus, the switch 41 is opened regardless of the weight of the person, and the relay 34 energized to start the motor 33 into operation.

The loud-speakers 26 and 27 are connected to the message repeater 31 by the lines 51 and 52.

The relay 38 is a double-switch relay. The switch 53 thereof controls the time-delay switch 35; while the other switch 54 controls the counter 30. As above explained, the relay 38 is connected across the leads to the motor 33 by the lines 39 and 40 so that, immediately the motor is energized, the switches 53 and 54 are closed to complete the circuit to the time-delay switch 35 and counter 30, respectively. Lines 55 and 56 connect the time-delay switch 35 to the power lines 43 and 44; while lines 57 and 58 connect the counter 30 to the power lines. The fluorescent light 24 is connected to the power lines 43 and 44 by the lines 59 and 60, with the timedelay switch 35 being included therein in a well-known manner.

It is important to note that the time-delay switch 35 must be of an instantaneous or rapid-recycling type. Thus, it should be susceptible of being energized by a person getting onto the platform immediately after another person leaves the platform.

Operation While the mode of operation of the combination scale and advertising announcer of this invention is believed to be obvious from the illustrations of the drawings and description of parts given, it may be briefly described as follows:

A person getting onto the platform 18 causes downward movement of the steelyard 19. This action causes the lug 42 to operate the normally closed switch 41. This energizes the relay 34 in the message repeater 31 to start the motor 33 of the latter into operation. At the same time, the double-switch relay 38 is energized as it is connected in across the leads to the motor 33 to close both the switches 53 and 54. Closing of the switch 53 starts the operation of the time-delay switch 35; while closing of the switch 54 operates the counter 30.

Immediately the message repeater 31 is started into operation, the advertising message is announced over the speakers 26 and 27. The person standing on the platform is advised of the fact that he should listen and watch for his weight by an appropriate sign which is preferably inscribed on the glass plate 25. After the elapse of a predetermined time interval, the time-delay switch 35 causes the fluorescent light 24 to become energized, whereupon the plate 25 is rendered transparent and the dial 22 visible so that the person may see his weight as indicated thereon by the indicator 21.

An important advantage of the apparatus of this invention resides in the fact that the scale is not usable unless the message repeater is rendered effective. Very often, a scale of this type will be placed in a supermarket or other place of business close to a cashier who becomes bored and annoyed at hearing the advertising messages constantly and repeatedly. Such a person might have a tendency to pull out the plug which connects the apparatus to the power lines. However, if such a course is followed, the scale is completely unusable because the dial 22 is obscured and masked by the glass plate 25 unless the light 24 is energized. Under these conditions, a person cannot use the scale to ascertain his weight, and complaints to the management will quickly follow.

While a preferred specific embodiment of the invention is hereinbefore set forth, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangements, mechanisms, and devices illustrated and described, because various modifications of these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a scale including a movable platform, a steelyard operatively connected to said platform, and weight-indicating means operatively connected to said steelyard; a message repeater, means actuated by movement of said steelyard for starting said message repeater into operation, means for masking said weightindieating means, and mechanism for rendering said masking means ineffective after the elapse of a predetermined interval subsequent to the starting of said message repeater into operation.

2. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever mechanism in said casing operatively connected to the other end of said steelyard; a translucent calibrated dial in said casing, a. light behind said dial, a glass plate in front of said dial and which glass plate is normally opaque but rendered transparent by illumination from said light, and means automatically operated by movement of said steelyard to energize said light.

3. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever 1nechanism in said casing operatively connected to the other end of said steelyard; a translucent calibrated dial in said casing, a light behind said dial, a glass plate in front of said dial and which glass plate is normally opaque but rendered transparent by illumination from said light, a time-delay switch connected to said light, and mechanism operatively connected to said steelyard for energizing said time-delay switch.

4. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever mechanism in said casing operatively connected to the other end of said steelyard; a loud-speaker within said pedestal, a message repeater connected to said loudspeaker and including an operating motor, a switch controlling operation of said motor, and means on said steelyard for operating said switch.

5. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever mechanism in said casing operatively connected to the other end of said steelyard; weight-indicating means within said casing, means normally masking said weight-indicating means, mechanism for rendering said masking means ineffective, a message repeater within said pedestal and operatively connected to said steelyard, and timedelay means controlled by starting of said message repeater for operating the means which renders said masking means ineffective.

6. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever mechanism in said casing operatively connected to the other end of said steelyard; a translucent dial in said casing, an indicator cooperating with said dial and operatively connected to said lever mechanism, a light behind said dial, a glass plate in front of said dial and which glass is normally opaque but rendered transparent by illumination of said light, a messagerepeater within said pedestal and operatively connected to said steelyard, and a time-delay switch controlling illumination of said light and operatively connected to said message repeater.

7. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever mechanism in said casing operatively connected to the other end of said steelyard; a translucent dial in said casing, an indicator cooperating with said dial and operatively connected to said lever mechanism, a light behind said dial, a glass plate in front of said dial and which glass is normally opaque but rendered transparent by illumination of said light, a message repeater within said pedestal and including a loud-speaker, a motor, and a relay, a switch connected to said relay, means on said steelyard for operating said switch, a second relay connected across said motor, and a time-delay switch connected to said second relay and said light.

8. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever mechanism in said casing operatively connected to the other end of said steelyard; a translucent dial in said casing, an indicator cooperating with said dial and operatively connected to said lever mechanism, alight behind said dial, a glass plate in front of said dial and which glass is normally opaque but rendered transparent by illumination of said light, a message repeater Within said pedestal and including a loud-speaker, a motor, and a 7 relay, a switch connected to said relay, means on said steelyard for operating said switch, a double-switch relay connected across said motor, a time-delay switch connected to one switch of said last-mentioned relay and said light, and a counter connected to the other switch of said double-switch relay.

9. In combination, a scale including a base, a pedestal upstanding from said base, a cylindrical casing carried by said pedestal, a movable platform on said base, a steelyard extending through said pedestal and having one end operatively connected to said platform, and lever mech' anism in said casing opcratively connected to the other end of said steelyard; a translucent dial in said casing, an indicator cooperating With said dial and operatively connected to said lever mechanism, a light behind said dial, a glass plate in front of said dial and which glass is normally opaque but rendered transparent by illumina tion of said light, a message repeater within said pedestal and including a loud-speaker, a motor, and a relay, a switch connectedto said relay, means on said steelyard for operating said switch, a double-switch relay connected across said motor, a time-delay switch connected to one switch of said last-mentioned relay and said light, a counter connected to the other switch of said doubleswitch relay, and a timing switch controlling the dclivery of power to said message repeater and said light.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Brown Dec. 29, 1936 

